AXITINIB
About
AXITINIB is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Renal cell carcinoma, also known as kidney cancer, is a disease in which the cancer or malignant cells grow uncontrollably in the kidney and form a tumour.
AXITINIB contains Axitinib as an active ingredient, which belongs to the class of medicines known as kinase inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme (tyrosine kinase) and thus stops the abnormal growth of cancer cells.
AXITINIB may cause certain side effects such as diarrhea, rash, tiredness, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, muscle cramps, chest pain, weakness, dizziness, hoarseness, and constipation. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects bother you. AXITINIB should be taken as advised by your doctor.
Avoid taking AXITINIB if you are allergic to it or any other components of it. Before taking AXITINIB, inform your doctor if you have/had liver or kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, heart problems, thyroid disorders, or blood disorders. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, it is not recommended for use in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Uses of AXITINIB
Medicinal Benefits
AXITINIB contains Axitinib, which is used in treating advanced renal cell carcinoma after failure of prior systemic therapy. It works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other parts of the body. It also decreases the blood supply to cancer tumors to slow down the growth of the tumor. In this way, AXITINIB stops the body's production, spread and growth of cancerous cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking AXITINIB for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Avoid taking AXITINIB if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Caution should be exercised if you have/had liver or kidney disease, any planned surgery, heart disease, stroke, blood or bleeding disorders, or gastrointestinal disorders. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment as this medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant. Avoid driving and operating machines, as this medicine may cause visual disturbances. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established. AXITINIB may cause hypertension, arterial and venous thrombotic events, hemorrhagic events, hypothyroidism, gastrointestinal perforation and fistula, Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS), elevated liver enzymes in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medication and medical history before taking AXITINIB.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: AXITINIB may have interaction with strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors (clarithromycin, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir), strong CYP3A4/5 inducers (carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, phenobarbitone, dexamethasone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Dug-Disease Interactions: Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart problems, GI perforation, lung toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, or thromboembolism before starting the treatment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionLimit alcohol consumption while taking AXITINIB.
Pregnancy
unsafeAXITINIB is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking AXITINIB. You should not become pregnant while you are taking AXITINIB. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment with AXITINIB is suggested.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known whether AXITINIB passes into breastmilk. Hence, if you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking AXITINIB. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
unsafeAXITINIB may cause dizziness and visual disturbances in some patients. Hence, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that needs clear vision until you are confident that you can do so safely while you are on treatment with AXITINIB.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. AXITINIB is known to cause elevated liver enzymes, which may be fatal. Hence, this medicine should be taken cautiously in patients with moderate liver impairment. Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your liver function while on treatment with this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before taking AXITINIB. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAXITINIB is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy is not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps strengthen muscles, reduces fatigue, helps in weight loss, and gives strength. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Getting adequate sleep as resting helps improve your health and mental ability and improves attention.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, etc.
- Foods containing fibre help in better digestion. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function tests and urine test to monitor the function of the liver and presence of protein in urine due to the use of AXITINIB.
- It is advised to use contraceptive pills while using AXITINIB to prevent pregnancy.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have swelling in your lower legs, fast heartbeats, or trouble breathing as it may be a sign of a heart problem.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Renal Cell Carcinoma: Also known as kidney cancer. It is the most common type of cancer seen in adults. This condition occurs when cancer/ malignant cells grow uncontrollably in the kidney and form a tumor. Advanced kidney cancer (metastatic renal cell carcinoma) occurs when the malignant cells spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include red, orange, or pink-coloured urine due to the presence of blood in the urine.
FAQs
AXITINIB is used to treat Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AXITINIB contains Axitinib, which works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
AXITINIB is safe to be taken by a diabetic person. However, take AXITINIB only after consulting with a doctor, as they may adjust the dosing according to your condition.
AXITINIB may cause thyroid dysfunction, leading to decreased thyroid hormone levels. This effect causes hypothyroidism. So, notify your doctor if you feel extremely tired, colder than others, sudden weight gain/ weight loss, hair loss, or change in voice while using this medicine.
The possible signs and symptoms of kidney cancer are haematuria (blood in urine), low back pain on one side, fever, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite, anaemia (low blood count), and a lump on the side or lower back.
AXITINIB should be taken for as long as it has been prescribed by the doctor. The doctor will determine the duration of the treatment based on your condition.
Seek medical attention immediately if you have swelling in your lower legs, fast heartbeats, or trouble breathing as it may be a sign of a heart problem.
Your doctor may suggest blood tests, and liver & kidney function tests before starting AXITINIB. If you are female, you will have to take a pregnancy test before starting treatment.
People who are allergic to any of the components in AXITINIB should not take this medicine. It is also not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Yes, AXITINIB might decrease fertility in men and women. Talk to the doctor if you have any concerns regarding fertility during treatment with AXITINIB.
Fatigue could be a side effect of AXITINIB. To cope with fatigue rest properly, eat healthy food, limit alcohol/caffeine, and manage stress. However, consult the doctor if you have excessive tiredness as it could be a sign of heart failure.
Consult your doctor if you get tired more easily, generally feel colder than other people, or your voice deepens whilst taking this medicine as these could be signs of the thyroid problem. The doctor will recommend thyroid function tests before and during treatment with AXITINIB.
Posterior Reversible Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by headache, seizures (fits), confusion, and changes in vision with or without high blood pressure. Consult the doctor immediately if you notice these symptoms.
Swelling of the abdomen, legs or ankles, protruding neck veins, excessive tiredness, and shortness of breath could be an indication of heart failure. Consult the doctor if you experience these symptoms.
Store AXITINIB at room temperature, in a dry place. Keep out of sight and reach of children.
AXITINIB may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, rash, tiredness, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, increased blood pressure, muscle cramps, chest pain, weakness, dizziness, hoarseness, and constipation. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects bother you.
